UTU NEWS
| Volume 30 | January 1998 | Number 1 |
UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION
JANUARY 1998
PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY
A Service of the United Transportation Union
Public Relations Department
Charles L. Little
International President
Roger D. Griffeth
International General Secretary & Treasurer
Editorial Offices:
UTU NEWS
14600 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
UTU@compuserve.com http://www.utu.org
WELCOME TO THE VOICE OF TRANSPORTATION LABOR
"Charlie Little may not be as eloquent as Fred Hardin was. Hardin,
he declares, 'could charm the birds out of the trees.' On the other hand, who needs
eloquence, when what you're saying just makes such good sense?"
RAILWAY AGE Senior Editor Gus Welty,
November 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IN THIS EDITION
Wisconsin
governor signs "UTU rail safety bill" ...##A
Rail workers
fight RRB proposal ................##B
Amtrak
legislation signed into law ................##C
Amtrak chairman
Downs resigns ..................##D
STB extends
UP restrictions .......................##E
NS
demonstrates sanitation systems .............##F
UTU Calendar
contest seeks photos for 1999 ........##G
AROUND THE UTU
News from around the U.S. and Canada ...........##H
MEMBERSHIP PROFILES
Spotlight on UTU Local 683, Detroit, Mich. ........##I
BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
"Looking
forward" ..............................##J
Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis
Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.
YARDMASTER REPORT
"New
year holds new opportunities" ................##K
Editorial by Don R. Carver
Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.
ORGANIZING REPORT
New England Central workers choose UTU .........##L
EDITORIALS
"Made
in USA" means something .....................##M
Wanted: Amtrak
president .......................##N
"The
future is now for UTU, rail labor" ...........##O
Editorial by Charles L. Little UTU International President
"Tough
questions that deserve real answers" ....##P
Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director
"Who
needs eloquence?" ............................##Q
Editorial by Gus Welty Senior Editor, RAILWAY AGE
Voices: Members
share their opinions ...........##R
STATE WATCH
News from UTU State Legislative Boards ............##S
MONTHLY FEATURE
UTU Bus Department on the move .................##T
SENIOR NEWS
Rose Chesser dies
.................................##U
Seaboard
Coastline retirees meet monthly .......##V
RRB enhances
phone service ........................##W
Gilberts mark 72nd
anniversary .................##X
Senior spotlight:
Kenneth R. Moore ................##Y
United
HealthCare hikes drug co-payments .......##Z
The Final
Call ...................................##AA
NOTICES
Regional
Meeting dates, prices noted ..........##BB
Monthly
apparel winner announced .................##CC
UTUIA seeks Volunteer
of the Year .............##DD
UTUIA
Scholarship program takes applications .....##EE
Travelers Club
packages offered ...............##FF
Permanent Life
Insurance as a gift ...............##GG
====================================================
IN THIS EDITION
Wisconsin governor signs "UTU rail safety bill" ...##A
MADISON, Wisc. - Calling it the "The United Transportation Union Bill," Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson recently signed into law a landmark rail safety bill requiring two persons in all railroad operations in the state. Wisconsin becomes the first state in the country with such a law to promote rail safety. The new law requires a certified railroad locomotive engineer and a qualified railroad trainman on every railroad train or locomotive operating in the state. "It just makes common sense to have two people on a train," said Thompson. The signing ceremony was held so that UTU International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., could personally attend the event. No other International rail union officers attended. Also present were UTU Wisconsin State Legislative Director Thomas P. Dwyer II, Wisconsin Central General Chairperson Jeff Minton and others, including many children of UTU members. After the signing, Thompson presented Little and Boyd with two of the pens used to sign the measure as a symbol of the state's appreciation for the work done by the union in getting the legislation enacted. "The residents of Wisconsin should know they have conscientious and safety-minded lawmakers looking out for their best interests," Little said. "They, and perhaps residents of other states who follow Wisconsin's lead, will benefit for years to come because of their foresight." Violations of the law are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 per occurrence. The legislation cleared both houses of the Wisconsin legislature by unanimous votes. "Because of the efforts of UTU members in Wisconsin, one stroke of the governor's pen has made Wisconsin the first and only state to have a safe train-crew law," Dwyer said. "The UTU members in Wisconsin should be proud of the part they played in this accomplishment and they deserved to take part in this event." Little praised Dwyer for his commitment and determination in securing passage of the bill. "Tom Dwyer and many others in Wisconsin had the courage to propose and promote this measure," Little said. Little pointed out that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) has agreed to one-person train crews in Canada and elsewhere. "The UTU stands for safety," said Little. "Unlike the BLE, we will not compromise the safety of the public and our members by making secret deals to put only one person on a train for a few more dollars." "The legislators said to us many times, 'You really did your homework on this issue.' It was not unusual for a representative to receive more than 75 letters and more than 100 telephone calls from members," Dwyer said. "We thank and encourage those who take powerful political action to protect us," Dwyer said.
Rail workers fight RRB proposal ................##B
UTU members are being urged to let the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) know that rail workers are opposed to a proposed change in regulations regarding occupational disabilities. Over the objections of Labor Member V.M. Speakman, and despite his attempt to reach a compromise, RRB Chairman Glen Bower and Management Member Jerome F. Kever have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a proposed rule that Speakman said "will dramatically limit the number of occupational disabilities." "This is another of Glen Bower's attempts to give rail workers the short end of the stick," UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said. The proposal seeks to amend a part of the board's regulations so that, in personal injury cases, allocation of pay for time lost at work will no longer be possible for periods after the date of the case's settlement. Comments on the proposal are due Feb. 2, 1998. Under current regulations, such settlements can take into account that the injured party may not have enough years of service to qualify for an occupational disability benefit. A portion of the award paid by the railroad may be earmarked for the express purpose of paying the disabled employee for time that he would have been on the job, had he not been injured, and taxes from that amount may be paid to the board on a one-time basis to give the disabled employee the necessary coverage for benefits. Bower and Kever, along with the railroads, argued that because there's a cap on the amount of taxes that can be collected from an employee in a single year, those accepting such settlements may become entitled to coverage for which the system has not received sufficient payment. The affair is another "railroad attempt to control the benefit structure in a non-legislative way through the chairman and management member of the RRB," a spokesperson for Speakman said. UTU members are urged to voice their opposition to the proposal by writing to: Beatrice Ezerski, Secretary to the Board, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611.
Amtrak legislation signed into law ................##C
President Bill Clinton has signed into law Amtrak reauthorization legislation that will allow the carrier to slash jobs and benefits in exchange for billions in public funding. For the first time the passenger carrier will be allowed to negotiate with its workers for the contracting out of maintenance and similar work. The new law also scraps a six-year severance package that had been guaranteed by law to rail workers laid off because of route discontinuations. This language will be repealed from the statute after 180 days of negotiations between Amtrak and organized labor. The law also allows the carrier to shed routes it claims are unprofitable. Perhaps most importantly, the measure includes a provision allowing for the liquidation of Amtrak if it does not make a profit within two years. UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer called the bill "a horrible piece of legislation. It allows for the dismantling of Amtrak." "This legislation was the best we could get under the conditions," Brunkenhoefer said, "with a Republican Congress, a bankrupt company and management that leaves a lot to be desired." The measure also stipulates the replacement of the nine-member presidentially appointed board with a seven member board nominated by the president in consultation with both houses of Congress. All board nominees must be approved by the Senate.
Amtrak chairman Downs resigns ..................##D
Facing pressure from labor, Congress, some Clinton Administration officials and his own board of directors, Thomas M. Downs has resigned as president of Amtrak. Downs, who has run Amtrak since 1993, announced his resignation less than two weeks after President Clinton signed a multi-billion-dollar rescue package for the passenger carrier, and less than a month after a controversial labor settlement with the carrier's maintenance-of-way employees. Downs, 54, cited the "exhausting" nature of the chairman's job and said he had no immediate plans. George Warrington, head of the railroad's Northeast Corridor operations, will be acting president while the railroad seeks a successor. The Washington Post quoted anonymous sources as saying that Amtrak's seven-member board of directors was unhappy with Downs' handling of labor negotiations with the track maintenance workers' union. The Clinton Administration had asked board members to enter the negotiations after Downs refused to meet directly with union representatives.
STB extends UP restrictions .......................##E
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended until mid-March the restrictions it has placed on the Union Pacific (UP). The order requires the company to open a large part of its business to competition and shift traffic to other railroads. The board also ordered UP and Burlington Northern Santa Fe to work with agricultural shippers to move hundreds of tons of grain, much of it stored outside, before it rots. The STB took the action at the request of numerous shippers, and despite assertions by the company that the carrier's traffic problems have mostly been resolved. In other news, manufacturers, utilities, agricultural shippers and others claim the massive freight snarl is costing them at least $100 million a month in added costs. Businesses in Texas estimate the delays have cost them $762 million, and the losses could climb to $1.3 billion. Also, UP shareholders are suing the carrier, charging it failed to disclose problems stemming from its merger with Southern Pacific. The lawsuit claims the railroad made "materially false and misleading statements" about the merger.
NS demonstrates sanitation systems .............##F
United Transportation Union officials met at Norfolk Southern headquarters with carrier officials on December 4, 1997, to review possible new sanitation systems for locomotives. The Norfolk Southern said it would voluntarily phase-in the new modern toilet system over the next five years on new and existing engines. "We're glad to see that the Norfolk Southern is moving ahead with plans to voluntarily modernize and humanize its locomotive toilets," said Charles L. Little, UTU International President. After months of controversy regarding its use of the plastic garbage bag toilets, and after five UTU members filed a class-action suit against the railroad, Norfolk Southern in November agreed to voluntarily change its outmoded locomotive toilet system. It was the only major railroad using numbered plastic garbage bag toilets. Eight UTU general chairpersons and legislative directors, along with three representatives from another rail union, inspected a variety of flush/chemical toilets as well as the controversial plastic garbage bag "dry-hopper" system. Norfolk Southern officials told the union representatives it would like to have a consensus from rail labor on the type of system to be placed into service on new locomotives and retrofitted to existing locomotives. However, UTU officials told the Norfolk Southern that the carrier should not interpret any consensus reached at the December 4 meeting as any type of agreement at a later date. Norfolk Southern representatives agreed to that position. "This meeting was called by the Norfolk Southern to show us their plans," said Byron Boyd, UTU International Assistant President. "It was not a meeting for the purpose of establishing any type of contractual agreements." Boyd pointed out that the issue of sanitation systems on locomotives is before the Federal Railroad Administration and the Rail Safety Advisory Committee. Norfolk Southern representatives told the union officials that new locomotives would be equipped with MEI 211 chemical recalculating toilets with holding tanks. The carrier has ordered 119 new GE locomotives for 1998, which will have the sanitation systems currently used on Conrail engines. Older units that do not become retrofitted would be isolated to yard and other services closer to wayside toilets. Retrofitting would begin in the third quarter of 1998. UTU officials were most impressed with E-Vac vacuum toilet and asked that it be given consideration. UTU officials also made it clear that the present "dry-hopper" system was not acceptable. The union also said the future change would be meaningless unless a regular cleaning and maintenance program was established.
UTU Calendar contest seeks photos for 1999 ........##G
A contest has been initiated that should result in the 1999 UTU calendar being the best ever. Active and retired members are invited to submit photos taken in any year depicting their workplace or a UTU social function. (People in photos must be UTU connected.) The 12 best photos will be featured in next year's UTU calendar, and their contributors will be awarded their choice of apparel bearing the UTU logo. Submissions should be sent to UTU International Headquarters, and must be received by August 15, 1998. Meanwhile, the 1998 calendar is being mailed to Retiree Program members as this edition reaches deadline.
AROUND THE UTU
News from around the U.S. and Canada ...........##H
LOCAL 4, CHARNY, QUEBEC The local's headquarters has moved to L'Association des Retraites du CN at 3400 Domaine des Retraites in Ste-Foy, Quebec, according to Secretary-Treasurer Louis Francois Garceau. Also, special limited edition UTU lapel pins were recently made for members of the local. A handful remain and can be purchased for $10 each by contacting Garceau at 6243 Avenue des Generations, Charny, PQ G6X2H5, or at (418) 832-2114.
LOCAL 78, POCATELLO, IDAHO Characterized as a very strong enginemen's local, membership stands at 107 as the local makes inroads on the BLE. According to George J. Millward, despite the long hours being worked, at least 30 members attend each monthly meeting, held at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the AFL-CIO Temple in Pocatello, Idaho.
LOCAL 298, GARRETT, IND. Members heard good news at a recent meeting about a brother's imminent return to work, and learned about their probable future if the proposed Conrail acquisition occurs. Member Richard H. Hartman noted borrowed employees are helping to handle the terminal's workload, with CSX paying UTU people at Garrett $500 a half to stay marked up.
LOCAL 324, SEATTLE, WASH. Mechanics and bus drivers from this combined bus and rail local working on Evergreen Trails, Inc. (Gray Line of Seattle), recently ratified a three-year contract that brings them 60 days of paid sick and disability leave, wage increases, medical coverage enhancements and pension package improvements, according to General Chairperson Daniel T. Bentley. He also noted the company recently spent $8 million on a new maintenance and operations facility, resulting in one of the best work environments in the industry.
LOCAL 610, BALTIMORE, MD The B&O/C&O Consolidated General Committee of Adjustment recently joined with the CSXT in praising Local Chairperson Dennis I. Stevens who took the time to make a difference in his community. Profoundly moved by the recent death of a young boy struck by a MARC train while playing on the tracks, Stevens took to the streets on his own time, visiting a new subdivision along the right-of-way and meeting with children and their appreciative parents to explain the dangers of trespassing on the rails.
LOCAL 1238, VANCOUVER, WASH. This BNSF local represents those working on such former lines as the SP&S, Astoria Line, and Oregon Electric Railway. Regular meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second Monday of the month at The Carpenter's Hall, 612 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Suite 105, Vancouver, Wash. For more information, call (360) 693-3007.
LOCAL 1291, BIRMINGHAM, ALA. Members work for Norfolk Southern (NS) and meet regularly the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Steelworkers' union hall in Birmingham, Ala., according to Lawrence E. Chappell, chairperson for the local's trainmen. The rise in rail traffic partly due to rerouting of Union Pacific freight has raised a number of issues. Because the division is short of workers, NS is trying to lure workers off other divisions with surplus crews by offering extra pay. At the same time, NS recently tried to send trains all the way through the home terminal, in violation of the UTU agreement. Though an agreement was worked out with the BLE, the carrier has made no attempt so far to discuss the matter with the UTU.
LOCAL 1378, WILMINGTON, DEL. Local President Lewis Denney Lafferty announced at a recent meeting that new by-laws have been approved. Also, a trust fund has been set up to help defray medical costs Local Chairperson W.K. (Bill) Stone is facing due to an accident this summer that left his 20 year-old son, Adam, paralyzed from the neck down, according John E. Lesniewski. Instrumental in establishing the fund was Local 1949 (yardmasters) Vice Local Chairperson Eileen Wolfe. Donations can be sent to: Wilmington Trust, Adam Stone Medical Fund, 436 N. Glenwood Rd., Smyrna, DE 19977.
LOCAL 1391, LORAIN, OHIO After nearly two years of negotiations and mediation marked by management foot-dragging, Lake Terminal Railroad workers at USS Kobe's steelworks overwhelmingly ratified a new pact that runs through January 2000. According to Local President Lawrence J. Faunt, the contract avoids crew cuts sought by management, upgrades medical coverage, and brings the same wage increases as the national contract. The pact calls for national handling at expiration. Faunt praised Chairperson for Enginemen Tim Smith, Chairperson for Trainmen Joe Zemantauski, and Vice President R.W. Earley for their key roles in securing the pact. "The International stuck with us, and it all paid off," Faunt said.
LOCAL 1440, STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Following an arbitration victory against the Staten Island Railway, the carrier was forced to make an agreement if it wanted maintenance-of-way employees to be available for overtime during potential emergency situations, according to Vice General Chairperson Robert M. Bilello. Negotiated by Local Chairman Lou Russo, the agreement provides an additional hour's pay per day for those agreeing to wear a pager after working hours. If called, the employee is paid up to two-and-a-half hours at the overtime rate to report for duty, and under most circumstances, is guaranteed a minimum of eight hours overtime. Members overwhelmingly approved the pact.
LOCAL 1778, N. VANCOUVER, B.C. As a result of suggestions at recent meetings, the local now conveys safety matters brought up during the regular "Safety First" portion of its meetings on a posted bulletin board, according to Secretary-Treasurer David Moorhouse. The first bulletin includes members' concerns about how one crew's practices affect others, wearing seatbelts in company vehicles, unqualified persons performing trainmen's work, blocks into the interchanges, and entraining/detraining at a safe speed.
MEMBERSHIP PROFILES
Spotlight on UTU Local 683, Detroit, Mich. ........##I
A road local headquartered in Detroit, Mich., Local 683 comprises an active group of conductors, trainmen and engineers on Conrail's Dearborn Division who distinguish themselves through cooperative efforts to continually improve their work environment. "Our local's been involved for 10 to 15 years with a variety of labor-management projects," explained Local President Wayne Nelson. Joining forces with T&E workers from Local 278 (Jackson, Mich.) and the yardmasters of Local 1962 (Toledo, Ohio), members recently participated in a project that produced a series of booklets mapping the various yards and terminals where they work. The booklets include notes on physical characteristics, standard operating procedures, and other vital information employees need to work more efficiently and effectively. Booklets are available at all yard offices in the Detroit and Jackson areas, Nelson said. Members always have a quorum at the regular meetings, held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Dearborn Community Center in Dearborn, Mich. Also, more than 50 T&E retirees from the division meet at 9 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Leon's Restaurant in Dearborn. For details, call Mike Haydu at (313) 495-1487.
BUS DEPT. / STREET BEAT
"Looking
forward" ..............................##J
Editorial by Bernard J. McNelis Vice President and Director, UTU Bus Dept.
I want to extend to everyone our best wishes for a very happy and safe new year. Last year was a very busy and exciting year in the Bus Department and we intend to become more active in our efforts to increase the membership in the Bus Department. I look forward to meeting more of our members in 1998 at their work locations and to attend as many union meetings as possible. I also look forward to working with all of you on your concerns about all the Bus Department issues addressed in this edition of the UTU News. In 1998, let all of us, and particularly those who hold leadership roles in labor, business and government, reflect on whether we fall within what Mahatma Gandhi called "The Seven Deadly Sins": 1. Wealth without work; 2. Pleasure without conscience; 3. Knowledge without character; 4. Commerce without morality; 5. Science without humanity; 6. Worship without sacrifice; 7. Politics without principle; We will be able to face all the challenges ahead by working together, united for the purpose of helping all our members and all working people throughout this world by doing whatever we can in our own corner of this world.
YARDMASTER REPORT
"New
year holds new opportunities" ................##K
Editorial by Donald R. Carver Assistant to the President, Yardmasters' Dept.
The new year offers us 365 days to better serve and represent our yardmaster members. Each day serves up new opportunities. The new year holds the promise of challenge and change. Each yardmaster general committee is presently confronted with more difficult issues than in the past. While we had success in settling contracts, problems, and disputes last year, some important issues remain unresolved. As the new year begins, contract and protective disputes for yardmasters on Amtrak, BNSF, BP, CSX, DH, GTW, IC, IHB, SOO and UP are in various stages of negotiation and mediation. Surface Transportation Board decisions on the CSX and NS purchase of Conrail will greatly impact the lives and working conditions of literally hundreds of our yardmasters. Section 4 negotiations have not begun pursuant to the Surface Transportation Board 's authorized purchase of the Southern Pacific by the Union Pacific Railroad. Section 4 negotiations are ongoing on the BNSF. As a result of the recent yardmaster representation election on the merged UP/SP system, the Union Pacific Union Yardmaster Council (UPUYC) and the carrier have had a series of negotiating sessions in an effort to negotiate a contract that will cover all persons working in the craft on the merged UP/SP system. It is hoped that the negotiations will produce a viable agreement early in 1998. The new year will be a success if we are willing to meet its challenges with our highest degree of dedication, determination and unity among all crafts that comprise this great union.
ORGANIZING REPORT
New England Central workers choose UTU .........##L
The United Transportation Union has returned to represent the operating employees of the New England Central Railroad (NECR) after a four-year absence that resulted when the former Central Vermont Railway was sold to new owners. By a 19-to-1 vote, the engineers and conductors of the New England Central Railroad have asked that the UTU serve as their collective bargaining agent. The railroad, which hauls general freight over approximately 340 miles of track between St. Albans, Vt., and New London, Conn., commenced operations in 1994 when it was spun-off from the Central Vermont Railway. The NECR was purchased by Railtex as a shortline under Section 10901 of the Interstate Commerce Act following a bitter fight with the UTU. Section 10901 allows reorganized "shortline" railroads to abolish existing labor contracts, thus terminating the UTU's contract with the carrier. John Nadalin, UTU director of strategic planning, said organizers Brian Lawlor and Sam Marino were instrumental throughout the organizing drive. Nadalin also commended New England Lines General Chairperson Mike Maloof (GO-081) and Massachusetts/Rhode Island State Legislative Director George Casey for their assistance and guidance in organizing the NECR workers. Maloof has filed Section 6 notices with the railroad regarding work rules and rates of pay and will assist the employees in their negotiations with the carrier. The victory for the NECR employees brings another 31 operating employees into UTU membership.
EDITORIALS
"Made in USA" means something .....................##M
The next time you buy a pair of athletic shoes, clothing or tools, take a good, close look at the label. If it says "Made in the U.S.A." it still stands for something, thanks to the efforts of organized labor, consumer groups and some Congressmen. The Federal Trade Commission had been set to change the standards of products that could say "Made in the U.S.A." Under heavy lobbying from companies that make products in China and elsewhere, the FTC was ready to modify the World War II-era "Made in the U.S.A." standard, which was often interpreted to mean 98% of a good's value. So the FTC was going to change the 50 year-old standard of "all or virtually all" to "substantially all." That meant goods with as little as 75% of their manufacturing costs, but still assembled in the U.S., could be labeled "Made in the U.S.A." We owe a debt of thanks to a group called the "Made in the U.S.A. Coalition," which came to life - with heavy labor support - and helped stop the change. Now, if a product says it is "Made in the U.S.A.," it really is.
Wanted: Amtrak president .......................##N
You won't see this job opening listed in the classifieds. Less than two weeks after President Clinton signed a $3.4-billion Amtrak rescue package, Thomas M. Downs resigned as president of the nation's passenger rail carrier. It was well known that Amtrak's board of directors was unhappy with Downs' handling of labor negotiations, and the Clinton Administration had asked board members to enter the negotiations after Downs refused to meet directly with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. Downs also was roundly criticized for his overall mismanagement of Amtrak by this union and he didn't win many friends on Capitol Hill. But that's all old news. Our hope is that Amtrak will take its time and select the right person to lead our national passenger rail system into the next millennium. Its health and well-being is essential to the American public and the future of the Railroad Retirement System. And then there are the 23,000 Amtrak workers, including several thousand UTU members. They all deserve leadership that assures their future jobs and continued passenger rail service. George Warrington, who heads the Northeast Corridor unit, will serve as acting Amtrak president. Let us hope that Amtrak hires the right person for what should be one of the premier jobs in all of American railroading. We'll be watching closely.
"The
future is now for UTU, rail labor" ...........##O
Editorial by Charles L. Little UTU International President
The beginning of a new year always provides the license to say a few words about the year just completed and the one about to unfold. So, please permit me the license to talk a little about 1997 and more about 1998. When I look back on the year just ended, I see a United Transportation Union that is truly on the move. But before I talk about that, I want to take a moment to remember our brave Brothers who lost their lives working in one of America's most hazardous industries - railroading. We had too many accidents and lost too many lives in 1997. That has got to stop. No matter what else we do, we must all band together to dramatically improve the safety of this continent's railroads. Our No. 1 priority is to do everything possible to protect our members. In 1997, we upgraded our education-and-training programs, and the response at the Regional Meetings was very positive. To take our programs into the field for our members, the UTU will roll out a "classroom on wheels," a bus customized into a rolling classroom equipped to educate our members where they work and live. We expect to begin this grassroots education-and- training program in the spring. What is most heartening is to see the new spirit of unity and growth. We've been picking up about 500 new applications a month and attendance at Regional Meetings was at a record high. Many of the issues and challenges from last year carry into 1998. But I think we laid some pretty good groundwork for action. The work of the National Wage & Rules Panel, which includes members of the UTU, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the National Carriers Conference Committee, promises to be a forum where we can identify solutions to our common problems. We need such a place to resolve complex and compelling issues facing our industry. It is essential that we be able to set up joint pilot projects, even on such tough issues as pay scale and the handling of grievances and claims. What will continue in 1998 is the commitment to keeping an open dialogue with the carriers that seeks to solve problems, not create new ones. This, I believe, is what is best for rail workers and the rail industry. This year will see many major issues come to a head. To name just a few: the buy-out of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern; the Union Pacific's woes; new leadership and the future of Amtrak; the growing consolidation and privatization of the bus industry, and more. One that stands at the top of the agenda remains unchanged. That is the need for rail labor to come together under one Big Tent for the betterment of rail union workers and the industry. So, again in 1998, this union will push the envelope to do what is best for its members.
"Tough
questions that deserve real answers" ....##P
Editorial by James M. Brunkenhoefer UTU National Legislative Director
Several times a year, at the Press Club in Washington, D.C., there is an event called the Transportation Table Luncheon. I recently had the pleasure to represent the United Transportation Union before the nation's press. There were a number of subjects briefly discussed, such as Amtrak, and the recently adjourned Congressional session. Someone in the audience raised the question of mergers. It was pointed out that, not only have railroads merged, even railroad associations have merged, that corporations throughout the world were getting together and although some had problems overall, they reaped great benefits. Someone questioned whether UTU had ever tried to merge. I responded that yes, UTU had a long history of attempting to merge. Every UTU president has attempted to merge with one or all of the four other major railroad unions: the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Transportation Communications Union, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. Unfortunately, most of the time the other unions that we have appealed to did not even answer our mail. Someone from the audience asked if it was because UTU was in poor financial shape. I pointed out that although UTU did not have billions in the bank, it did have a few million, and we felt certain we would continue along quite well in spite of what another organization had been saying about our financial situation; it simply was not true. Someone else pointed out that they had heard that UTU had too many vice presidents per member and we had a higher cost structure. It was pointed out that, in fact, the opposite was true, that of the five railroad unions, UTU has almost twice as many members per vice president as any other rail labor organization. The audience began to speculate as to why the five unions with so much in common cannot get together. Unfortunately, the audience arrived at a conclusion. They felt it must be that many of the union officers in these unions were more concerned about the preservation of their own position and who would be in charge than they are with accomplishing a merger. In fact, someone in the audience pointed out that Eugene V. Debs in the late 1800s had the vision of one big railroad union. At times such a union would have represented over a million and a half people. A merger of the five key railroad unions today would involve only about 200,000 workers. The event concluded with a sad comment, that as everyone else moves toward preparing for the vision of the 21st Century, some feel rail labor is stuck in the 19th.
"Who
needs eloquence?" ............................##Q
Editorial by Gus Welty Senior Editor, RAILWAY AGE
The following article by Gus Welty, senior editor of RAILWAY AGE, was published in the magazine's November 1997 issue and is reprinted by permission.
At the risk of bestowing on him the well-known kiss of death (politically, that is), just let me say that I came away from an hour-plus conversation with Charlie Little with an uncommonly good feeling about the course that future rail labor management relations could take. Little is the president of the United Transportation Union. Like his counterpart at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Clarence Monin, Little is in his first term after an election victory over a one-term incumbent. Little defeated Tom DuBose, who had beaten Fred Hardin four years earlier; Monin beat Ron McLaughlin, who had defeated Larry McFather in the BLE's previous election. So much for the similarities. What are the big differences between the leaders of the two operating unions? The biggest and most obvious difference is that the UTU's Little looks first for a way to settle differences without a lot of the loud and angry rhetoric that has so often characterized relations between unions and management and even between unions. The BLE's Monin, or so it seems, is most comfortable when he's firing away at the railroads and going head-to-head with the UTU in one confrontation after another. Thus, I guess you could cast Clarence Monin in the role of the traditional union militant, with Charlie Little playing the role of the thoughtful moderate. And the question is: Which "type" is better suited to meeting the demands and the opportunities facing rail union leaders today? Case in point: the national wage-rules panels created with the two unions and the National Carriers Conference Committee. Right or wrong, there is a perception that the Engineers are less than fully committed to the program, and that with Little pushing, pulling, and prodding, the UTU is very committed. In an earlier column, I commented on the difficult issues facing the parties, and on the need for hanging in and hanging on if anything is to be accomplished. Charlie Little does not disagree. Many issues are inter related, he says, and this creates a complex situation in which solutions may be equally inter-related and complex. When one path on one issue is blocked, he says, the parties turn elsewhere and keep plugging away. He remains very much interested, he says, in setting up joint pilot projects, perhaps on such sticky issues as pay-scale and call-window options and the handling of grievances and claims. In all this, Little wants to emphasize one point in particular: The UTU and the carriers "are committed to having an open dialog... We're developing labor management relationships that I believe will help us all quite a bit in the future." As for the relationship between the UTU and the BLE, Little leaves little doubt where his preference lay in the last BLE quinquennial election. I came away from our talk with the feeling that had Ron McLaughlin won re election, the two unions would by now have been well along the road to merger, amalgamation, affiliation, whatever course BLE and UTU leaders thought would work best. It didn't work out that way, of course, and the two organizations today seem to be as far apart as they've ever been. In the past, there had been enough blame to cover all concerned when the two unions were feuding. Now, it seems mostly to be the Engineers shooting arrows at the UTU and wanting nothing to do with the M-word until the two unions are of comparable size. First, that's not likely to happen. Second, it doesn't have to happen if the concept of craft autonomy is understood. Third, it's likely that UTU seniority will continue to be the underlying security for operating employees (including promoted engineers), so what does it matter anyhow? In any conversation with Charlie Little, one thing stands out: Nobody else in rail labor is thinking as fast as he is, or over such a range of subjects. Samples: -- He could embrace a form of gainsharing "as long as we didn't have to pick up the tab for everybody." -- He has respect for a number of people on the other side, including NCCC Chairman Bob Allen (for keeping wage-rules discussions on target) and Ed Burkhardt (for wanting to get negotiations completed fairly, now that Wisconsin Central employees have voted unions onto the property). -- Engineer-only operations "would create havoc." Remote control operations have to be opposed (mainly on safety issues), but if those operations do spread, then control has to be from the ground. -- The dual basis of pay is not sacrosanct. Actually, a "salary" system that did away with the mileage component was enacted for a specific inter-road through movement as far back as 1985. Little keeps going back to his hope that relationships will be better in the next round of bargaining, that the parties can work on mutual-interest issues and that everyone entering the room will check his ego at the door. Charlie Little may not be as eloquent as Fred Hardin was. Hardin, he declares, "could charm the birds out of the trees." On the other hand, who needs eloquence, when what you're saying just makes such good sense?
Voices: Members share their opinions ...........##R
Periodically, the UTU NEWS will contact members at random to report their thoughts on a question of interest to the general membership.
This month's question: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YOUR LINE OF WORK TO YOUR CHILDREN?
"I drive a school bus part-time. As something to do for extra money, yeah, I'd recommend it. It's really a job that's good for women who have children in school, because you're working while they're in school, and it's a good way to supplement the household income. But it would be tough to try to do this for a living. I wouldn't want them to be a metro driver. I have friends in that job, and there's a lot of stress dealing with the public. Also, I wouldn't want them taking the risks." -- DOROTHY D. BRYANT, L-1908, BUFFALO, N.Y.
"Yes, I would. I'm a Burlington Northern Santa Fe engineer. It's a good living. As union guys, we're sometimes confrontational with the carriers, so we don't want to say, 'Yeah, the carrier offers a pretty good job here,' but it's a good job. I don't know where else a guy with limited education could make the kind of money you can make on the rails. It's not a bad job. The only drawback is the safety issue. If you keep your head about you and pay attention, it doesn't have to be dangerous." -- JOHN ENGLAND, L-1674, LOS ANGELES, CAL.
"I'm a Union Pacific engineer. I have six kids, including five boys. We've discussed it, they know what the work is and what the advantages are concerning pay. They understand that the job does provide a comfortable life, and it's mainly because of good, union-negotiated contracts. Still, I have encouraged all of my children to get an education, with my support. I feel they should get into another profession because of the hard work and the time away from home." -- GEORGE J. MILLWARD, L-78, POCATELLO, IDAHO
"I'm in road service. I recommended it to my children, but they weren't interested. They didn't want to be gone all the time like their daddy was. They didn't want that. They didn't have a whole lot of problem with working for a railroad in some capacity, but to be gone as much as a road man was gone, they had no interest in that. And I can understand that. I never tried to push it on them. A person has to do what they want, not what you want them to do." -- JAMES POTTER, L-1308, BRUCETON/HOLLOW, TENN.
STATE WATCH
News from UTU State Legislative Boards ............##S
INDIANA Indiana State Legislative Director James E. Carrico, Sr., and Indiana Assistant State Legislative Director Thomas E. Hensler attended the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Annual Awards Banquet in Terre Haute, Ind., last October, where AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney was honored as the 1997 recipient of the Eugene V. Debs Award. Sweeney received the Debs Award for his contributions to the trade union movement and for the breadth of activity he has brought to the AFL-CIO since his election to its presidency in 1995. (See below.) Debs, who founded the American Railway Union in 1893, was a firm supporter of a single rail union representing all of rail labor, a vision still shared by the leadership of the UTU.
ARIZONA Arizona State Legislative Director Scott Olson was recently inducted into the Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame for his invaluable contributions to the Democratic Party and the political process. "Scott's commitment to the Democratic Party is exceeded only by his dedication to the working men and women of Arizona, when his voice is heard fighting for workplace safety, fair pay and equal treatment for all the men and women he represents," said Steve Coffey, alternate legislative representative and vice president of UTU Local 1081 at Glendale, Ariz.
ILLINOIS Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo represented the UTU recently at a conference in Washington, D.C., entitled "2000 in 2000," which was sponsored by the national AFL-CIO. The conference was held to bring together rank-and file union members who currently serve in, or plan to run for, elected governmental office. The goal of the AFL-CIO's "2000 in 2000" program is to have at least 2,000 union members, nationwide, elected to governmental office by the year 2000. Szabo, the mayor of Riverdale, Ill., also teamed with Illinois AFL-CIO President Don Johnson and State Representative Dan Reitz, a member of the United Mine Workers, to successfully lobby the Illinois Congressional delegation against the passage of the Fast Track trade legislation.
FLORIDA Members of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers honored Florida State Legislative Director Carl Cochran at an Appreciation Luncheon during their annual convention in Tampa last October. Scott Carruthers, executive director of the Academy, praised Cochran and several other individuals "who have worked to preserve our civil justice system and protect the safety of Florida's families."
MONTHLY FEATURE
UTU Bus Department on the move .................##T
The UTU NEWS is publishing the first of a two-part series on the issues affecting the union's bus membership. Part 1 examines organizing, the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), privatization of the bus industry and the International's support. The series was written by UTU News correspondent John H. Horvath.
With roots going back to the days of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, the Bus Department is a suitable heir to the pioneering group that organized interstate bus operators. Today, the United Transportation Union represents more than 7,000 employees working under more than 40 contracts in the U.S. and Canada. The Bus Department's steady growth includes workers employed in light-rail, trolley and high-speed line service, as well as municipal, charter and school bus operators. It would be fair to say that the UTU's Bus Department is really the "Everything-but-rail" Department. Also represented by the Bus Department are mechanics and dispatchers, as well as clerical, maintenance, and operations personnel. Members' efforts support transit agencies, school boards, trucking companies, private carriers and even airports. The UTU is frequently viewed as a rail union, but that stereotype does not ring true to the union's Bus membership. "The UTU's leaders don't seem to think of it as a rail or bus union," observed Blair Reed, of Local 104 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. "They think in terms of 'members.' If you're a member and you're in trouble, they're there to help you. It doesn't matter if you're a rail or bus member." General Chairperson James A. Williams in Los Angeles represents about 4,600 bus-and-subway operators working on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency (LACMTA). He agrees with Reed. "I have no problems with the UTU International at all," said Williams. "And our membership has no qualms, either. The UTU gives us 2,000% support."
ORGANIZING TAKES THE LEAD The Bus Department's proactive approach to organizing is reflected in the wide variety of workers represented. Their differing circumstances present unique problems often requiring special solutions. "The Bus Department is concerned with those workers whose jobs are governed by the National Labor Relations Act or state laws in the U.S. or its equivalent in Canada," explained UTU International Vice President Bernie McNelis, Bus Department director. "In other words, if the job's not regulated by railway law, then it's in the domain of the UTU Bus Department." Last year was the "best year for organizing in a long time," said McNelis. He cited successes in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. "I hope to see a lot of organizing activity this year, and would like to see the UTU Bus Department emerge as the leader in organizing in all of labor," McNelis said. "The UTU's greatest growth potential lies in organizing bus properties." In an age marked by mergers, acquisitions, and rapidly evolving domestic and international law, many on the front lines see organizing as a matter of survival. "Our No. 1 issue is job security, and our best bet in fighting for it is to organize," said General Chairperson Roy G. Arnold of Local 1697 in Happy, Tex. NAFTA & ORGANIZING Charter operations workers Arnold represents on the Texas, New Mexico & Oklahoma Coaches, Inc. (TNM&O), and Panhandle Trailways face a double whammy. They work in a right-to-work state in the path of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). "Mexican bus lines are being formed here by U.S. owners, and in 2001, these lines will be turned loose, running on our route," Arnold said. "We need to organize these guys. They work for $7 a day, which has encouraged Greyhound to buy into a couple properties. They own 51% of one already, and they have a subsidiary running from El Paso to Denver." Besides threatening to transform the market, the Mexican companies benefit simply by virtue of their newness. "Funded by U.S. owners, the Mexican companies have the newest buses with the latest amenities, including TVs," Arnold said. "TNM&O drivers can't even get two-way radios. We drive 500 miles at a time into the desert, where there's literally no civilization, and we have no communications at all." Panhandle Trailways was organized in October 1997, bringing baggage handlers, ticket agents, express agents and custodians into the UTU ranks. Contract negotiations will begin soon, and Arnold appreciates the help he'll get from the UTU International. "That gives us the professional edge we'll need," Arnold said. He also appreciates the other services the International provides. "Our guys can drive 10 hours a day, maximum," said Arnold. "But drivers out of Mexico have no restrictions. If they're going to run in this country, by God, they should be working under the same rules and regulations. "Our state legislative guy, Sam Arrington, is going to have to help us out, and we have to get to Congress. TPEL is really going to be important."
SAME PROBLEM, DIFFERENT TWIST General Chairperson William J. Koehn of Local 1670 in Laredo, Tex., confronts similar problems, but with different twists. Representing drivers, mechanics and custodians working for a municipal system, Transit Management of Laredo (El Metro), Koehn also fears the NAFTA juggernaut is creating an uneven playing field and will undercut his worker's jobs and rights. "Mexican firms are opening dummy offices in the U.S., running double plates on their vehicles," Koehn said. "They don't work under the same rules. Their hours of service don't begin until they cross the bridge into the U.S. Someone who's been driving nearly 24 hours presents a safety risk, and because they're working for $3 to $7 a day, they can undercut the labor market here." El Metro is opening new routes, bringing in more and more part-timers. With a high unemployment rate and what Koehn sees as discrimination against non-U.S.-born Hispanics, part-timers aren't being advanced to the better jobs and higher pay they deserve. Intimidation of workers makes it hard to organize, but in some ways it works to advantage.
"Most part-timers here join the union, even though this is a right-to-work state, and by law, they don't have to join," Koehn said. "They show up more often at union meetings because the UTU gives them information, a vote in how things are done, and hope."
PRIVATIZATION WORRIES Just like in the rail industry, the effects of mergers, acquisitions and privatization is a big concern in the bus marketplace. Besides such players as Laidlaw, Greyhound and Mayflower increasing their presence in the industry, charter companies looking to lower their costs have formed a co-op called Coach USA, which is buying properties across the U.S. Recent Coach USA purchases in California and New Jersey are a particular concern, McNelis said, for General Chairperson Ed Glover, who represents workers of Local 1558 at Rockland Coaches in Dumont, N.J., and General Chairperson Del R. Hankins of Local 115, which includes Gray Line workers in Petaluma, Cal. Hankins and Glover are about to enter negotiations, McNelis said, and though Coach USA hasn't made any changes at either property so far, each is alert to the impact the new situation may have. "Privatization is the No. 1 concern we have," echoed General Chairperson Williams of Local 1564 in Los Angeles. Williams represents five locals on the LACMTA, where a new pact good through the year 2000 was recently approved. "I think that in the bus business across the nation, subcontracting out work and an increase in part-time employment are eroding full-time employment and the benefits that go along with it," Williams concluded.
SUPPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL Contract negotiations for the mechanics and drivers working on the municipal Charlotte Transit System will begin soon, said General Chairperson Steve H. Smith of Local 1715 in Charlotte, N.C., a right-to-work state. "Our members like the autonomy the UTU International gives us," he said. "They let us run our show, and all they do is support us. I can't tell you how much that's appreciated. They keep their nose out of our business until we ask for their support, and then they give it to us 100%." "I was a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union, and I don't mean to slam them, but the UTU does things better," said General Chairperson Daniel T. Bentley of Local 324 in Seattle, Washington, where members work as drivers and mechanics for charter company Gray Line of Seattle. "When we had a problem involving NAFTA, it was UTU's political and legislative initiatives that brought us success," Bentley said. "And one of the best things about the UTU is they have an education budget. I can't think of another union that does on a regular basis what the UTU does with its Regional Meetings."
Next month: Part 2 looks at hours of service, the dues structure, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the effect of welfare reform on the bus industry, and more.
SENIOR NEWS
Rose Chesser dies .................................##U
Rose Chesser, wife of former UTU International President Al Chesser, passed away November 23, 1997. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Brother Chesser at 10437 E. Dorado Place, Englewood, CO 80111.
Seaboard Coastline retirees meet monthly .......##V
The Seaboard Coastline Railroad Retired Employees Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul Methodist Church in Florence, S.C., according to Retiree Program member Howard S. Waddell of Local 942, Florence, S.C. The group, which boasts 164 members, invites all to attend the weekly Dutch Breakfast each Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Lamplighter Restaurant. For information, contact Waddell at 2913 W. Palmetto St., Florence, SC 29501.
RRB enhances phone service ........................##W
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has fortified services available via its automated toll-free help line. Those calling 1-800-808-0772 can request a letter showing their monthly benefit rate or order a replacement Medicare card, and active and former rail employees can request a statement of creditable rail service and compensation. Callers can also hear special announcements about benefit programs and find information about field offices.
Gilberts mark 72nd anniversary .................##X
Former UTU Assistant President Ed Gilbert and his wife Alice recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in Sun City, Ariz. Gilbert, 91, was president of the BLF&E in 1969 at the creation of the UTU.
Senior spotlight: Kenneth R. Moore ................##Y
After spending nearly 45 years immersed in the work of union and political activities, Kenneth R. Moore is retired and settled into a lifestyle he really enjoys - pursuing union and political activities. The 69-year-old former UTU International Vice President and Director of the Bus Department retired in July 1993, moved with his wife of 46 years, Dorothy, to Sun Lakes, Ariz., and promptly became involved in local activities. By early 1994, he was elected president of the Retirees Union Club of East Central Arizona. The following year, surrounded by ultra-conservatives in a Republican community, he got the idea to form the Sun Lakes Democratic Club. Local observers told him he'd be lucky to get three people to attend meetings. More than 150 attended the club's first meeting, 250 showed up for the second, and Brother Moore, president of the group, reports the club is still growing. The group now ranks as the largest and most active Democratic club in Arizona. These activities mark only the tip of the iceberg for Moore, a member of Local 1563, El Monte, Cal. He's also president of the East Valley Democratic Breakfast Club, and in 1995, was elected vice president of the Sun Lakes Kiwanis Club. Today, he's president of that organization, and an active member of the Sun Lakes Shrine Club. Moore also serves as financial officer in the Maricopa Sheriff's Posse of Sun Lakes, was recently elected vice president of the Arizona State Council of Senior Citizens, and teaches math, grammar, motivation, and arts and crafts at the St. Peter's Indian Mission School on the Gila River Indian Reservation at Bopchule, Ariz. Earlier this year, Moore spent a month in Russia as part of an exchange program with the Labor University in Moscow promoting labor/management relations and helping labor unions become more effective in the post-Communist era. In good health, Moore somehow finds time to attend wood carving classes. Typically, his efforts in this field have won him awards
United HealthCare hikes drug co-payments .......##Z
Last year United HealthCare and the railway labor organizations agreed to several changes to the benefits provided under Group Policy GA-23111. These benefit changes were a major reason that the monthly payments under Plan C (except for students and incapacitated children) and Plan E did not increase in June, 1997. The Plan D payment increase was limited to $5. Despite these recent benefit changes, there continues to be a concern about the future costs of coverage under Plan D. Prescription drug costs have increased significantly in each of the last two policy years. This trend is expected to continue for both this year and the next year. Part of the reason for this increase has been the introduction of a record number of new drugs into the marketplace. Many of these new drugs are the first of their kind and offer advanced therapy for the treatment of many serious diseases. Patients are healthier as a result of using these medications.
NEW DRUGS VERY EXPENSIVE But there is a cost: many of these new drugs are very expensive. Since pharmacy costs account for nearly 60% of the total claim dollars paid under Plan D, this will require significant premium increases in future years. Unfortunately, we are faced with making further changes to this Plan D benefit. Without changes, premiums will rise to the extent that few individuals will be able to afford Plan D coverage. Representatives from United HealthCare met with representatives of the railway labor organizations and Merck-Medco Managed Care to study this problem. The study concluded that: 1. Every effort must be made to encourage the use of the mail order program, and reduce the usage of the card program, and 2. The total annual amount payable per individual under the card and mail order programs combined must have an annual maximum. Therefore, effective January 1, 1998, the following benefit changes will be made:
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PROGRAM: -- The maximum supply of drugs that can be obtained will be reduced from 30 days to 21 days. -- The co-payment for a generic prescription drug will be increased from $4 to $5. -- The co-payment for a brand name drug will be increased from $8 to $10.
MAIL ORDER DRUG PROGRAM: -- The co-payment of $10 for all drugs (generic or brand name) has been replaced with: -- a co-payment of $10 for a generic drug, and -- a co-payment of $20 for a brand name drug. -- The maximum supply of drugs that can be obtained will be increased from 90 days to 120 days.
MAXIMUMS INCREASED Also effective January 1, 1998, the maximum amount payable for drugs supplied to any one individual in any one calendar year will be $3,000 under both programs combined. If an individual requires prescription drugs in a calendar year that cost more than $3,000 (excluding the required co-payments), the individual will not be able to recover that additional cost from any of the benefits under Plan D for the balance of that year.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE Information on these important changes has been mailed to all individuals covered under GA-23111 Plan D. Also, information concerning these changes is being incorporated into a new booklet being prepared by United HealthCare. This new booklet will contain the changes to the Plan D pharmacy benefit as well as changes required by federal legislation. These booklets are available from United HealthCare at 1-800-842-5252.
The Final Call ...................................##AA
Following are the names of members of the UTU Retiree Program who have died recently, according to reports received at the UTU International Headquarters. These brothers and sisters will be sorely missed by their many friends and by fellow UTU Retiree Program members.
0018 Duncan, Huston E. El Paso, TX
0196 Rounds Jr., Harold H. Beardstown, IL
0281 Nyfors, Melvin A. Wauwatosa, WI
0339 Livingston, Jackie D. Louisville, MS
0386 Tucker, George R. Wilmington, DE
0425 Phipps, William R. Lawrenceburg, IN
0453 Parker, John R. Decatur, IL
0462 Taylor, Elton M. Pine Bluff, AR
0469 Floyd, Bobby G. Campbell, MO
0527 Jamar, Emile A. Parsons, KS
0573 Gibson, James P. Danville, KY
0577 Bancroft, Edgar W. Largo, FL
0607 Ross, Jerry M. Alton, MO
0613 Williams, Iva R. Austin, TX
0724 Crouch, Paul E. Ft. Wayne, IN
0753 Willis, Clifford G. Huntsville, AL
0763 Vanzant, Marvin L. Pittsburg, KS
0782 Schreiber, Tommy G. Horse Shoe, NC
0782 Siler, Jack W. Arden, NC
0811 Manning, Edsel C. Redlands, CA
0838 Leposa, Frank E. Brielle, NJ
0903 Edenfield, Wilbur H. Grand Ridge, FL
1011 Perry Jr., Donald D. Hamlet, NC
1074 Libengood, Carl E. Mercer, PA
1129 Whitmore, Henry A. Richmond, VA
1292 Kieffer, George H. Virginia, MN
1361 Conklin, G. E. Chatham, NY
1368 Dever, Lonnie E. Bend, OR
1393 Snyder, James H. Angola, NY
1413 Black, Walter Jersey City, NJ
1418 Guy, George E. New Brighton, PA
1518 Ferree, William F. Brownsburg, IN
1522 Robertson Jr., John J. Waldorf, MD
1544 Lee, Donald L. El Monte, CA
1730 Kociban, John Hankamer, TX
1760 Vitale, Causmenio St. Clair Shrs., MI
1917 Kinkle, Kenneth B. Lima, OH
1918 Sherwood, William H. El Paso, TX
1957 King, Ellis W. Silsbee, TX
NOTICES
Regional Meeting dates, prices noted ..........##BB
Listed below are telephone numbers and room rates for the host hotels for the three UTU/UTUIA Regional Meetings scheduled for next year. Due to the popularity of the meetings and the limited number of rooms available at the hotels, those members planning on attending a Regional Meeting should call as soon as possible to make their room reservations. A one-night deposit is required to guarantee your reservation. It can be paid by credit card when you call. Remember, each Regional Meeting will last three full days, and will offer something for everyone, from bus and rail members to local and general committee members to family members. A golf outing will be held the day before the first day of the meetings. The schedule of the 1998 Regional Meetings, telephone numbers and room rates are as follows:
June 22-24, 1998
International Plaza,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(800) 668-3656 (416) 244-1711
$99 (Canadian) per night
July 20-22, 1998
Westin Galleria and Oaks,
Houston, Tex.
(800) 228-3000
$92 per night
Aug. 11-13, 1998
Reno Hilton, Reno, Nev.
(800) 648-5080
$99 per night
Monthly apparel winner announced .................##CC This month's lucky winner of his or her choice of any item of UTU-logoed wearing apparel is Lyle W. Hight of Abilene, Kan. Brother Hight is local chairperson of Local 804 at Hoisington, Kan., which represents workers employed on the Union Pacific (Missouri Pacific/P) at that location. Brother Hight will be receiving by mail a gift certificate redeemable for any one of the many fine quality union-made UTU jackets, shirts or caps available through the International. This program is a way to thank the many men and women who make this union great
UTUIA seeks Volunteer of the Year .............##DD The United Transportation Union Insurance Association (UTUIA) is looking for a special person to honor as its 1998 Volunteer of the Year. Do you regularly volunteer at a hospital or nursing home? Do you lead a Cub Scout or Girl Scout troop or work with the handicapped? Are you involved in some other activity that benefits those in your community? If so, we would like to know about it. A panel of judges at the UTU International will review all submissions and select the 1998 Volunteer of the Year. The individual selected as UTUIA Volunteer of the Year will receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a plaque of appreciation from UTUIA. Additionally, he or she will be honored at the 1998 UTU/UTUIA Regional Meeting nearest his or her home (all expenses paid by UTUIA). Also, 20 runners-up will be selected to receive certificates of appreciation for their volunteer efforts. Deadline for submission of nominations is February 28, 1998. The outstanding individual will be notified by registered mail, and certificates of appreciation will be forwarded to runners-up as soon as possible. Decision of UTUIA judges is final. Previous nominees may be nominated again, however, former Volunteers of the Year are ineligible to receive awards. The Volunteer of the Year program is designed to accomplish many things, not the least of which is the opportunity for UTUIA to let its fraternal light shine. It also provides an opportunity for UTUIA to recognize its volunteers for their outstanding contributions to others. The nomination form should be mailed to: UTUIA Volunteer of the Year, 14600 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44107-4250. Don't forget to include a separate sheet of paper describing your volunteer activities.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY REPORT
Name__________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City______________________State_______ZIP_____________ UTU Local or UTUIA Local Unit No._____________________ Date(s) of volunteer activity_________________________ Total volunteer time (in hours and minutes): Per week______________________________________________
Per month_____________________________________________ Description of volunteer activity: Value of contribution (if applicable): $______________
UTUIA Scholarship program takes applications .....##EE
Education is the key to success. The key to an education can be a United Transportation Union Insurance Association scholarship. With college enrollment time upon us, we strongly urge all eligible persons to take a few minutes to fill out the UTUIA scholarship application form printed below and apply for a UTUIA scholarship. It will be one of the smartest things they ever do. This is the 25th year the UTUIA is making available 50 continuing $500 scholarships for its members, and the sons, daughters and grandchildren of its members. We are very proud of our scholarship program, a pride that comes from helping thousands of students over the years. We realize the amount awarded, $500 a year, doesn't meet the full cost of the recipient's education, but in this way we can help a larger number of students with educational costs. They may use the scholarship money for tuition, learning materials or other related expenses. UTUIA scholarship winners will receive the full amount of the award each year for up to four years of undergraduate study as long as they maintain a satisfactory academic record. With a UTUIA scholarship, we hope to give the recipient the opportunity for a full-time education instead of a part-time education, day school instead of night school, higher education instead of basic training. We are proud also in knowing that UTUIA scholarship recipients are enrolled in some of the finest and most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. We also can point proudly to the many achievements of past scholarship winners who have contributed so much to our great nation. The UTUIA is proud and happy to provide these scholarships for they are an opportunity for achievement. The success of deserving students is our success and the benefits are boundless. The key to success is education, and the key to education is a UTUIA scholarship. Take a minute to apply for the chance of a lifetime. As former Harvard University President Derek Bok noted: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." Fraternally yours, Charles L. Little International President
UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP RULES DISTRIBUTION Fifty continuing $500 scholarships are awarded each year upon verification of enrollment for the fall term. The scholarships are prorated according to the number of UTU and UTUIA insurance members in each of nine districts. Names of the 50 scholarship winners for the academic year 1998-1999 will be drawn at UTUIA Headquarters in Cleveland after the March 31, 1998, deadline for submission of applications. ELIGIBILITY Requirements for a scholarship applicant are that he or she be at least a high school senior or equivalent; age 25 or under; be a UTU or UTUIA-insured member, the child or grandchild of a UTU or UTUIA-insured member, or the child of a deceased UTU or UTUIA-insured member (if member is deceased please include date of death). UTU or UTUIA-insured member must be a U.S. resident. Applicants also must be accepted for admittance or already enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per quarter or semester at a recognized institution of higher learning (university, college or junior college, nursing or technical school offering college credit). Graduate schools are not included. Families of full-time International officers are not eligible. AWARDS Scholarships are awarded on the basis of chance, not grades. A UTUIA scholar, however, is expected to maintain a satisfactory academic record to keep the scholarship for the full four years. ADMINISTRATION The UTUIA Scholarship Committee decides whether individual scholarships should be continued or discontinued. Each successful applicant must provide annual proof of eligibility on or before a deadline set by the scholarship committee to qualify for a continuing award. The day-to-day management of the program is handled by the office of the UTUIA General Secretary and Treasurer. The UTUIA Scholarship Program is an open program. All eligible students, regardless of previous grades or future plans that don't happen to include college, are strongly urged to apply, to take five minutes to invest in the chance of a lifetime, the chance for a better future.
UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP DISTRICTS
DISTRICT 1, 5 SCHOLARSHIPS - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
DISTRICT 2, 6 SCHOLARSHIPS - Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
DISTRICT 3, 8 SCHOLARSHIPS - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
DISTRICT 4, 6 SCHOLARSHIPS - Indiana, Michigan, Ohio
DISTRICT 5, 4 SCHOLARSHIPS - Illinois, Wisconsin
DISTRICT 6, 5 SCHOLARSHIPS - Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
DISTRICT 7, 6 SCHOLARSHIPS - Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
DISTRICT 8, 7 SCHOLARSHIPS - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
DISTRICT 9, 3 SCHOLARSHIPS - Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Applications must be received no later than March 31, 1998. Please submit ONLY ONE APPLICATION PER STUDENT to the address appearing below. Incomplete, photocopied or duplicate applications will not be accepted. The application form printed in the traditional print version of the January 1998 edition of the UTU News is the official scholarship application form and is the only one that will be accepted. If you need an application form, write to the address below, and include your UTU local or UTUIA local unit number:
UTUIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
UNITED TRANSPORTATION UNION INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
14600 DETROIT AVE.
CLEVELAND, OH 44107-4207
Travelers Club packages offered ...............##FF
The UTU Travelers Club is offering retired and active members three tour packages next year: an Irish discovery tour, an Alaska sightseeing cruise, and a tour of French Canada and Gaspe Peninsula by rail. For more information call Lynn Westphal at (800) 835-9233; or write to Landfall Travel, 14724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.
Permanent Life Insurance as a gift ...............##GG
START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!
GIVE YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN A GIFT THAT WILL KEEP ON GIVING!!
It's never too early to start thinking about life insurance for children and grandchildren. Permanent life insurance provides living benefits and is a wonderful way to provide a legacy for your youngsters. What better way to show them you care? Permanent life insurance is very inexpensive at young ages, and premium-paying choices are endless. Premiums can be paid in one lump-sum payment, over a five- or ten-year period, for the whole of life, or anything in between. Call (800) 558-8842, Ext. 211, for personal service.
The officers and staff of UTUIA would like to extend best wishes to you and yours for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
UTU NEWS ONLINE EDITION
JANUARY 1998
PROGRESS THROUGH UNITY